NBA's Overtime Frenzy: SGA’s Career Night, Curry's 42-Point Clutch

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The NBA’s Opening Week continued its furious pace last night, delivering two overtime thrillers defined by unprecedented individual scoring and clutch finishing. The defending champions proved their resolve, while an MVP and a forgotten star engaged in a dramatic battle for a 2-0 start.

Game 1: Reigning Champs Survive Finals Rematch

Oklahoma City Thunder 141, Indiana Pacers 135 (2OT)

The Oklahoma City Thunder moved to an early 2-0 start (with both wins coming in double overtime) as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a monumental, record-breaking performance in a finals rematch against the Indiana Pacers.

SGA’s Career Night: Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points, tying Russell Westbrook for the most 50-point games in franchise history. SGA was relentless, going 23-of-26 from the free-throw line and dominating the final two extra periods.
The Pacers’ Heroics: Despite the season-long absence of Tyrese Haliburton and the loss of Andrew Nembhard to injury mid-game, the Pacers pushed the champions to the limit. Bennedict Mathurin (36 points, 11 rebounds) and Pascal Siakam (32 points, 15 rebounds) carried the scoring load, with Siakam having a massive double-double.
The Grind: The game was a test of endurance, with the Thunder logging their second double-overtime win in three days. The decisive run came in the second overtime after Pacers players Mathurin and Nesmith fouled out, leaving Indiana unable to contain OKC’s offense.

Game 2: Curry’s Clutch Wins a 50-Point Shootout

Golden State Warriors 137, Denver Nuggets 131 (OT)

In a spectacular showcase of offense, Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic battled through an overtime thriller, though a former All-Star nearly stole the show.

Gordon’s Career Game: Denver forward Aaron Gordon had a career night in the losing effort, pouring in 50 points on an insane 17-of-21 shooting (81% FG), including 10 made three-pointers on 11 attempts—tying an NBA record for most threes in a season opener. Gordon broke Alex English’s 40-year-old franchise record for points in an opener.
Curry’s Clutch Magic: Despite Gordon’s heroics, the Warriors secured the victory thanks to Stephen Curry’s 42 points. Curry, who had 16 straight points in the final minutes of regulation, hit a spectacular game-tying three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds left to force overtime after Gordon had put the Nuggets up three.
Jokic’s Triple-Double: Nikola Jokic was his usual self, logging an easy triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, joining Oscar Robertson as the only players with four career triple-doubles in season openers.
The Decider: In overtime, the Warriors pulled away behind Curry and clutch shots from Jimmy Butler and Al Horford, sealing the 2-0 start for Golden State. Jokic missed a shot in the lane just before the buzzer that would have won the game in regulation.